Through a glass darkly: Personal reflections on the role of meaning in response to trauma

Meaning making is an intentional process, whereby the use of stories and similar narrative forms of communication with others and with oneself create the context in which meaning can develop. The contribution to this sequence from religion and spirituality occurs through routes pertaining to both content and process. Various beliefs, such as those pertaining to the ultimate purpose in life, contribute to development of meaning after trauma. Religion and spirituality may also provide a holding context in which to experience deep and frightening emotions. Developing meaning is a primary way in which individuals respond to traumatic events that allow them to achieve a deep assimilation of previously unacceptable events and to experience emotional and behavioral resolution.